Trail Half

The hikers accomplished 6 miles south to High Point Shelter while Greg and I moved vehicles to their southern parking spots for the week and then hiked about a mile and a half north to High Point Shelter. This was my first time involved in the vehicle juggling at the beginning of the hike for the very good reason that it normally means a fast and far hike to catch up with the rest of the pack. The shortness of this trek allowed me to participate even if I was the slowest partner Greg has ever had. Approaching a fallen tree across the trail made me miss my fellow Turtle hiker, Liz. She would have understood my dilemma as I straddled a tree the same height as my leg in an attempt to navigate the trail.

A vista platform afforded a sweeping view of the area surrounding High Point Monument and was a beginning to the downhill that ended at High Point Shelter.








It was a tougher and more emotional day for some than for others but all teens accomplished the goal. According to Peg, Atira with her top heavy pack, only fell over three times and only one of those was near a cliff. I call it a satisfactory day.

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Travel Half

4:30 AM we began the trek to Jersey. Some, like Riley, kept their feet comfy and free of hiking boots as long as possible.




As we drove further south the grass was greener, trees were budding and we heard the sound of splatting insects. As Mike Gabriele said, "Nothing says spring like bug guts on the windshield." (Photo courtesy of his grandson Josh who hijacked my phone)






Last call for flushing toilets and comfortable seating was lunch at Cracker Barrel in Fishkill, NY.






Next stop, the trail...



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Pack Weigh In

Weighing in the packs for the 2015 April Vacation AT Hike commencing at 4 AM tomorrow:

Rachelle with tent parts and full water: 36.9 lbs. Higher than I would like, but Don knows I've got to have that phone recharge on the trail. And those chocolate covered espresso beans aren't light either.






Atira with full water but no tent part yet, on her first hike: 26.2 lbs. Wait for the verdict on whether there will ever be a second hike for her.

Nolan didn't bother to weigh his pack because he's a man. It is what it is. We simply pick it up and get it to the destination.




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